Florida Hospital and Lincoln Memorial University Are Partnering to Bring LMU's Nursing School Program to the West Florida Region

Florida Hospital and Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) are partnering to create an extended learning site for the LMU-Caylor School of Nursing in the West Florida Region. This partnership will establish synergy for continuous quality improvement in both education and the practice of nursing. The United States is projected to experience a shortage of registered nurses (RN) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing school enrollments are not growing fast enough to meet the projected demand for RN and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) services. In addition, high nurse turnover and vacancy rates are affecting access to health care.

There is a significant nursing shortage problem nationally. In Florida, we have seen an increase of over 30% since 2013. In our hospital system, we have more than 300 vacancies at this time. We are excited to launch this partnership with LMU, a university with an excellent reputation and pass rates. They are also known for their distinguished faculty that are professional educators as well as practitioners in the field of nursing. By joining together, we strengthen nursing practices within our facilities and can help close the gap by filling positions. The clinical students will have the opportunity to learn and train with the best, said Mike Schultz, Florida Hospital West Florida Region President and CEO.

Founded in 1897, LMU is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. Its located in Harrogate, Tennessee about 55 miles north of Knoxville and operates extended learning sites throughout Southern Appalachia. LMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and all programs in the Caylor School of Nursing are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Nearly 120 years ago LMU was founded by visionary individuals who formed a partnership for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to underserved populations. In the years that have followed, the institution has evolved while continuing to serve its mission. Nearly every growth initiative the University has experienced started with a partnership, said LMU President B. James Dawson.

That is why we are proud to have found a dynamic new partner in Florida Hospital to help us deliver educational opportunities to clinical students. The LMU-Caylor School of Nursing was built on excellence. We are proud that LMU nurses continue to be in-demand and enjoy excellent employment and pass rates, but the benchmark upon which our legacy has been established is the excellent patient care delivered through the hands of our alumni, said Dawson.

Together, Florida Hospital and the LMU-Caylor School of Nursing will start by offering an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to be completed in 16 months, after general education requirements have been met. Additional degree programs will be offered as well. Admissions to the various degree programs would be available at different times throughout the year, increasing the number of students per year. The class size for these programs would consist of 24 to 48 students per class.

All clinical experiences are currently planned to be completed and contained within the Florida Hospital West Florida Region facilities. Clinical students would benefit from having direct access to learn and train at Florida Hospital facilities throughout the West Florida Region. Florida Hospital will continue to work with all area nursing schools to help provide clinical spots for student training.

These degree offerings by the LMU-Caylor School of Nursing, Florida Hospital Tampa site will be located at 3102 East 138th Street Tampa, Florida 33613. The location will include administrative offices, classrooms, study rooms, a skills laboratory, and library. The plan is to host an official ground breaking ceremony which will be announced in the near future. To learn more about LMU Nursing and degree programs offered please visit: nursing.LMUnet.edu.